Staff

Verity Bramwell

(Operations Manager) I was first exposed to suicide when I was 7 years when my half brother tried to take his own life several times. As a result of this from an early age I considered it as an option within my frame of reference. This has led to a number of suicide attempts in the past. Having addressed my issues, I want to ensure that no young person feels like suicide is their only option and that they have the support to speak out. The OLLIE Foundation does critical work raising awareness of suicide, breaking the stigma surrounding it; but most importantly providing specific training to give people the skills to have difficult conversations and keep young people safe and it's a privilege to be part of it.

Amy Clements

(Administrator) For Amy, working for OLLIE also has personal meaning. She said “I’ve struggled with my mental health since childhood and it wasn’t until my early adult years I began to seek help to address the issues I faced every day. Although I did find some comfort in getting the help I needed, I still continued to struggle with depression and the impact it had on my every day life. This led to a series of suicide attempts.

Following my last attempt, I have been on a crucial journey of recovery. I’d given up work but was finding without a purpose, my life was becoming too ‘comfortable’ I needed more, I wanted to use my experiences to help others. I began to research charities that worked to support mental health, this is when I came across The OLLIE Foundation. When I read the story behind why the charity was set up I was not only touched but also deeply inspired. The people behind OLLIE wanted to use their experiences with suicide to change other peoples’ lives, just as I want to. It seemed like the perfect match and I’m so glad I found them! In helping the charity, I’m helping myself as well as others to cope with the devastating effects of suicide.”

“Since TJ died my world has become an emptier place. If I can do anything to stop others experiencing this then that’s what I must do.”

Anyone learning the skills of suicide alertness and safe suicide intervention has a skill, quite literally, for life.

Wendy Henrys, safeTALK Trainer

Since TJ died my world has become an emptier place. I have changed forever & life has lost its lustre. I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone. If I can do anything to stop others experiencing this then that’s what I must do.

Chris Sibley, Founder

If I Can Stop This Happening To Any Other Family, I Will.

Jane Johnstone, Founder

Anyone Learning The Skills Of Suicide Alertness And Safe Suicide Intervention Has A Skill, Quite Literally, For Life.

Wendy Henrys, safeTALK Trainer

I couldn’t imagine a more deserving enterprise than OLLIE.

Andrew Nicholls, Clinical Psychologist

OLLIE Is My Chance To Help Prevent Other Parents From Having To Go Through What I Have.

Stuart Falconer, Founder

Please encourage people to talk to others about how they are feeling so they can either realise they are not alone in how they are feeling and start to get help.